I use BB flash back recorder for recording my desktop.
I think there is a version 4 or higher available now.
I am still using old version 1.4.5 and it is DAMN good.So you can imaginate now how good version 4 is.
As for games,I would recommend either FRAPS or ZD SOFT GAME RECORDER.
Audials Moviebox is one of the Windows applications which are able to record and convert video streams from Youtube and other similar online streaming video platforms you will find a tutorial on how yo record Hulu videos if you follow this link: